Thyroid in Ayurveda

The foundation feels that it is necessary to give a brief out look to the web viewer about the thyroid disorders described in the Ayurvedic literature. It is necessary to have a basic knowledge about the principles of Ayurveda. Hence this portion may be useful to the Ayurvedic physicians. This is only to explore, even thyroid disorders is not new to the Indian system of medicine. All the major literatures of Ayurveda have its clear idea about the disorder and the treatment. (Ref: Ayurvedic Literatures by Charaka, Susrutha & Madhava)

In Sushruta Samhita, chapter- Nidanastana he says that the tridoshas (tripod of the Ayurvedic principle) causes the Galaganda at neck region. In Ayurvedic Literature the thyroid is well known as Galaganda. He clearly classifies into three varieties of the disorder as Vataja, Kaphaja and Medaja respectively.

The clinical symptoms of the first one explained as follows.

This can be correlated to the hyper function of the thyroid. The clinical features of this variety much relates with that of Hyperthyroid.

This can be taken as Hypo function of the thyroid for the treatment aspect. All the signs and symptoms much correlate with that of Hypothyroid state.

If, this is considered as the thyroidal cyst, all the signs and symptoms much relate. The basic principles of Ayurveda will not equally correlate with any other systems of medicine. These assumptions were only to treat the needed and for the interested medical practitioners. The Ayurvedic literature explains further about the Galaganda, which cannot be treated. In Ayurvedic terminology - Asadhya for chikitsa, this has the following signs and symptoms.

All the above is only to say that even in the Indian System of Medicine is well known with the Thyroidal disorder. Hence only few quotations were quoted. This part could be well understood by one who has basic knowledge with the system.

In other texts, line of treatment and drugs that has the effect on the gland was explained. The above-mentioned information is only to provide the guidelines to the interested.